Everyone Is Connected

Chapter 7 welcome to raccoon city

As we walked back into the building, the silence between Leon and me felt loaded with something I couldn't quite define. It wasn't uncomfortable, but there was a new awareness lingering between us, making every step feel heavier. I noticed him glance at me a few times, his expression thoughtful, as if weighing his words before speaking.

Finally, Leon broke the silence. "You know, there's a certain recklessness about you," he said, his tone light but with an edge of sincerity. "It's like you're always ready to throw yourself into the fire. You don't hesitate."

I smirked, shrugging. "I guess that's what happens when you don't have much left to lose."

He nodded, a shadow of understanding passing over his face. "Trust me, I get it. Sometimes, that's the only way to keep moving forward." He paused, his gaze distant, as if caught in memories he didn't care to revisit. "But you have people here now. Just... don't forget that."

The subtle concern in his voice surprised me, and I looked at him more closely. "You almost sound like you care, Leon," I teased, though there was a hint of sincerity behind it.

He raised an eyebrow, giving me a lopsided smirk. "Careful. You might ruin my reputation as the emotionally unavailable type."

I laughed, the tension easing just a bit. But I could tell he wasn't entirely joking. Beneath the sarcasm, there was a real connection forming—an understanding between two people who'd seen too much and survived it. And despite my best efforts to stay detached, that realization stirred something unexpected in me.

"Alright, Mr. Emotionally Unavailable," I said, nudging him lightly. "I'll try to tone down the recklessness, if it'll make you sleep better at night."

Leon chuckled, the sound low and genuine, and for a moment, his expression softened in a way that felt entirely unguarded. "Good," he said quietly, his eyes meeting mine. "I'd appreciate that."

We reached the equipment room, where the rest of the team was wrapping up their preparations. Chris shot us a look, his gaze lingering on Leon as if he could sense the shift between us. Leon cleared his throat and gave a quick nod, as if silently signaling that whatever was going on between us wasn't up for discussion.

As we gathered our gear, I felt a strange sense of clarity, a renewed drive to prove that I could be counted on. Whatever happened in that hive, I wasn't alone—not really. And for the first time in a long while, that didn't scare me.

Leon must have sensed my resolve, because as we finished and headed back to the team, he murmured just loud enough for me to hear, "You're going to be fine in there. I've got your back."

"Thanks," I replied, feeling a quiet strength settle over me. I meant it—not just for the mission, but for everything that had passed between us tonight. I wasn't sure where this would go, but I knew I wouldn't have to face it alone.

In the locker room, a focused tension filled the air. Everyone was getting ready, strapping on protective gear, checking weapons, speaking only when necessary. The team moved through their routines with precision, but the weight of the upcoming mission in Raccoon City loomed heavy. Elouise, in the middle of gearing up, took a glance at the others. Chris moved with steady determination, Claire beside him with quiet support. Carlos double-checked his equipment, while Piers threw Elouise his usual critical glare before returning to his weapon.

Just as Elouise tightened the last strap on her belt, Leon approached her. He didn't say anything, but the look he gave her and a small nod gave her a subtle boost of confidence. She managed a faint smile, feeling her heart slow down just a bit.

"All right, everyone!" Chris called out, clapping his hands to bring everyone's attention forward. "Final checks and then to the vehicles. We're headed to the airfield."